Servings: makes 2 servings

1 lb of flank steak, thinly sliced crosswise 1 lb of flank steak, thinly sliced crosswise
1/4 cup of cornstarch ¼ cup of cornstarch
3 teaspoons of canola oil 3 teaspoons of canola oil
1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger (about 1/2 inch piece) ½ teaspoon of grated ginger (about ½ inch piece)
1 tablespoon of chopped garlic (about 2 -3 large cloves) 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic (about 2 to 3 large cloves)
1/2 cup of water (we like less) ½ cup of water (we like less)
1/2 cup of soy sauce (I use low sodium) ½ cup of soy sauce (I use low sodium)
1/2 cup brown sugar ½ cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
3 large green onions, sliced crosswise into thirds 3 large green onions, sliced crosswise into thirds

Prepare the meat: subheading: Prepare the meat:
First, make sure the steak slices are dry (pat them dry) and mix them with the corn starch. Using your hands or a spoon, move them around to make sure all pieces are coated. Place beef slices in a strainer and shake off excess corn starch (see picture). Use a strainer to help shake off excess corn starch from beef. They should be lightly coated, not over coated with corn starch.
Make the sauce: subheading: Make the sauce:
Heat half of the oil in a large wok at medium-high and add the garlic and ginger. Immediately add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar and pepper flakes. Cook the sauce for about 2 minutes and transfer to a bowl. Don't worry if the sauce doesn't look thick enough at this point. The corn starch in the beef will thicken it up later.
Cook the meat and assemble dish: subheading: Cook the meat and assemble dish:
Turn the heat up and add the remaining oil to the wok. Add the beef and cook, stirring until it is all browned (this is a quick thing). Pour the sauce back into the wok and let it cook along with the meat. Now you can choose to cook it down and reduce the sauce or leave it thinner. Add the green onions on the last minute so the green parts will stay green and the white parts crunchy.
Serve it hot with rice.

Adapted for Instant Pot:  Adapted for Instant Pot:
Do not coat meat in cornstarch before searing. Use a cast iron pan to sear meat slices in hot oil before putting them in the Instant pot with the remaining ingredients except the green onions. Use instant pot meat/stew setting and cook for 35 minutes. Natural pressure release for approx. 10 minutes before quick-pressure releasing. Turn Instant Pot on saute setting and add a roe of cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce.  Do not coat meat in cornstarch before searing. Use a cast iron pan to sear meat slices in hot oil before putting them in the Instant pot with the remaining ingredients except the green onions. Use instant pot meat/stew setting and cook for 35 minutes. Natural pressure release for approx. 10 minutes before quick-pressure releasing. Turn Instant Pot on saute setting and add a roe of cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce.